Nov. 14, 2007

FORT COLLINS, Colo. - Colorado State softball Head Coach Mary Yori announced the signings of seven players to National Letters of Intent (NLI) on Wednesday.

"I am thrilled with the overall talent, experience and softball savvy of these seven recruits," commented Yori.  "Each of these young women is a highly motivated individual in the classroom and on the softball field.  Every one of these athletes has the ability to join our program and immediately compete for playing time and make a positive difference on the field. 

"This group is loaded with potential and ranks right up there as one of our best, if not our best, recruiting class over the past eight years. Collectively they have the potential to help elevate this program to new heights. "

Dani Chaplin (P/1B, Brighton, Colo. / Brighton HS)

Yori on Chaplin:  "Dani is a terrific, intelligent pitcher with a huge upside. She is proud to be able to represent the state of Colorado as a CSU Ram softball player. She has the ability to become an impact pitcher for us in the future."

Kelli Eubanks (P, Troutville, Ore./Reynolds HS)
Eubanks is a three-time letter winner at Reynolds High School in Troutville, Ore., where in 2007 she was named first-team Mt. Hood Conference as a pitcher, and garnered conference Pitcher of the Year honors.  Eubanks was also selected as a second-team all-state honoree.  In 2006, she was named first-team all-conference as a pitcher, and earned a second-team all-conference nod in 2005.  Eubanks also owns the school record for strikeouts in a season, fanning 244 batters during her junior campaign.  Eubanks will compete this spring as a senior at RHS.   

Yori on Eubanks:  "Kelli is a hard-throwing, dominant pitcher with a great deal of confidence.  She is a mentally tough, hard-nosed competitor.  Kelli has the potential to be a force to be reckoned with."

Jenna Krogh (OF, Portland, Ore. /Westview HS)
Krogh is a three-time letter winner in softball at Westview High School, where she earned first-team all-league honors during her freshman and junior seasons, and was named second-team as a sophomore.  Krogh was named Metro League Player of the Year as a junior. During that season, she was also named first-team all-state, after earning second-team all-state honors as a freshman.  Her freshman season, Krogh earned team Rookie of the Year honors and was selected as MVP after her junior year in which she led the Wildcats to a Metro League championship and a second consecutive state semifinals.  Krogh will compete this spring as a senior at Westview. 

Yori on Krogh:  "Jenna might be the fastest player we have ever signed, as she can flat fly. Her expertise and speed, both in the outfield and at the plate, will be a welcomed addition to our team."

Ashley MacQueen (IF, Yorba Linda, Calif./Esperanza HS)
MacQueen is a senior at Esperanza High School in Anaheim, Calif., where she earned a varsity letter in 2007. In 2005 she earned team honors with a golden glove, and was selected as the team's defensive player of the year in 2006. During her freshman season, MacQueen helped lead her team to a junior varsity league championship, and as a sophomore took the team to a JV co-league title. MacQueen will compete this spring as a senior at Esperanza. 

Yori on MacQueen:  "Ashley is a superb infielder at third base, shortstop and second base, and will add a positive presence to our infield.  Ashley swings a great bat and is a consistent performer both on defense and offense."

Lyssa Roberts (IF, Parker, Colo./Douglas County HS)
Roberts is a three-time all-Continental League selection at Douglas County High School in Castle Rock, Colo., earning first-team honors a freshman and junior, and being named to the second team during her sophomore season. She earned team MVP honors as a junior and was the recipient of the "Big Stick Award" in both her junior and senior campaigns. She holds school records in hits, runs scored and four-year varsity batting average, and was team captain for three years.  As a senior in 2007, Roberts was named first-team all-Colorado.   

Yori on Roberts:  "Lyssa is a speedy, intense athlete that will put a lot of pressure on defenses from the plate. She has solid skills on defense and is a tough competitor. Lyssa will continue to excel as a softball player as she gains experience at the collegiate level."

Amilia Stephens  (C/OF, Arvada, Colo./Faith Christian HS)
Stephens is a four-year letter winner from Faith Christian High School in Arvada, Colo. She was named first-team all-state in 2007, and first team all-conference. She also was a 2007 Colorado Coaches of Girls' Sports (CCGS) all-state athlete. In 2006, she earned all-state honorable mention and first-team all-conference.

Yori on Stephens:  "Amilia is a unique athlete as she has the tools to both play in the outfield and go behind the plate equally well.  She possesses very good speed , a gun for an arm and is a potent hitter."

Christine Thomsen (1B, Fresno, Calif./Bullard HS)
Thomsen is a three-year letter winner from Bullard High School in Fresno, Calif. She was named first-team all-state in 2007 along with first-team all-league, and was the league MVP. She earned the Team Offensive Player award in 2006 and 2007. In 2006, Thomsen was also named League Underclassmen of the Year.  She will compete this spring as a senior at Bullard. 

Yori on Thomsen:  "Christine is an extremely gifted hitter and should add firepower to our offense.  She is also an outstanding first baseman with great hands and sound instincts for the game. Christine has the ability to be a big-time player in our program."